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ATK Composite Technology Supports Atlas V Launch of Wideband Global SATCOM Spacecraft

Posted on: Monday, 6 April 2009, 09:07 CDT

ATK's Heat Shield and Base Plate Protect the Atlas V Launch Vehicle during Ascent

MINNEAPOLIS, April 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems' (NYSE: ATK) composite technology supported Friday's successful launch of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The launch placed the second of five Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) spacecraft into orbit.

Using advanced fiber placement manufacturing techniques, ATK produced the ten foot diameter composite heat shield and baseplate that provide essential protection for the first stage of the launch vehicle. The parts were fabricated by ATK at its Clearfield, Utah facility. This is the 15th Atlas V launch using ATK built composite structures.

The WGS satellites are key elements of a system that increases the communication capabilities of U.S. and allied nations' military forces deployed around the globe. WGS supports the U.S. Department of Defense's warfighting information exchange requirements, enabling execution of tactical command and control, communications, and computers; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; battle management; and combat support information.

ATK's composite technologies deliver superior performance for numerous space launch vehicles, including the Atlas V, Delta II and Delta IV. Composite structures are lighter weight than traditional metal alloys yet offer increased strength. The company also manufactures numerous composite components for military and commercial aircraft.

ATK is a premier aerospace and defense company with more than 19,000 employees in 22 states, Puerto Rico and internationally, and revenues in excess of $4.5 billion. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

Media Contact: Investor Contact: Bryce Hallowell Jeff Huebschen Phone: 952-351-3087 Phone: 952-351-2929 E-mail: bryce.hallowell@atk.com E-mail: jeff.huebschen@atk.com

SOURCE ATK

Source: PR Newswire

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